Finally got an SK 3870/DT 80 kits

[Kscardsfan]

The good news is I got my coveted roto ratchet finally. And it was only $15 off FB marketplace. The bad news is I wanted to drop a DT80 in it and now I can’t find one anywhere. So if you guys have one or know where to find one I’d be deeply appreciative of it. Regardless, I’m happy as a clam right now.

 

[bonneyman]

I converted my roto head to the DT90. You're gonna like it!

Good luck with your search!

 

[sparky 1971]

If SK ever gets there business model figured out and gets everything listed on the website you'll be able to get it from them. They were supposed to have it back up last week, but that was obviously a dream. I'm getting pissed because ai can't use my March $20 off code and April's coming up fast.

 

[B_Bimmer]

$15 for a roto-ratchet is definitely **** worthy. I can't imagine it being better than it already is but the kit fascinates me. Does it increase back drag at all, because that's one of the best parts of SK ratchets.

 

[MarkH]

My favorite ratchet. We bought a box of them when they were discontinued. I did find a couple DT 80 kits. They were so nice they walked out of the farm shop to my home shop. Have not been anywhere lucky enough to get one even rough for $15.

 

[vssjim]

The good news is I got my coveted roto ratchet finally. And it was only $15 off FB marketplace. The bad news is I wanted to drop a DT80 in it and now I can’t find one anywhere. So if you guys have one or know where to find one I’d be deeply appreciative of it. Regardless, I’m happy as a clam right now.

I sent you a message as I have two new DT80 kits in my stock

 

[Professional Tool User]

You have the opposite problem that I do. I have a DT80 and I haven't got around to buying a used SK ratchet to upgrade.

 

[Kscardsfan]

I sent you a message as I have two new DT80 kits in my stock

Replied to your PM

 

[Kscardsfan]

You have the opposite problem that I do. I have a DT80 and I haven't got around to buying a used SK ratchet to upgrade.

They didn’t know what they had. I saw the model number in the photo and jumped on it.

 

[desrosd]

The good news is I got my coveted roto ratchet finally. And it was only $15 off FB marketplace. The bad news is I wanted to drop a DT80 in it and now I can’t find one anywhere. So if you guys have one or know where to find one I’d be deeply appreciative of it. Regardless, I’m happy as a clam right now.

Last year I picked up an SK 3870 roto on ebay for a bit more than you paid, it has a silky smooth mechanism with minimal back drag, fantastic to use. I also picked up a used SK 3/8" roundhead and bought a pair of DT80 kits from Harry Epstein. I installed one kit in the non Roto and the backdrag is horrendous so I will not be putting the other in the Roto. The existing backdrag in the Roto is perfect.

I also put a DT100 in an old SK 1/2", it too resulted in much higher back drag.

Personally, I don't recommend either purely due to the excessive back drag.

- Don

 

[Mgdoug3]

I have better luck using the DT in used ratchets. In new ones the back drag is higher. I have 6 DT kits so you could say I like them. I never have tried a DT120 because the 1/4" ratchet is already great.

The DT80 works perfect in the 3870 and any 3/8 that's longer. I have them in a 45170 but prefer the original mechanism. In the 1/2 drive I think it really shines. They're just as smooth as the original but have 4 teeth of engagement instead of 3 like the original. In theory they should be stronger.

 

[Kscardsfan]

Last year I picked up an SK 3870 roto on ebay for a bit more than you paid, it has a silky smooth mechanism with minimal back drag, fantastic to use. I also picked up a used SK 3/8" roundhead and bought a pair of DT80 kits from Harry Epstein. I installed one kit in the non Roto and the backdrag is horrendous so I will not be putting the other in the Roto. The existing backdrag in the Roto is perfect.

I also put a DT100 in an old SK 1/2", it too resulted in much higher back drag.

Personally, I don't recommend either purely due to the excessive back drag.

- Don

I have installed a bunch of DT100 kits and given them as gifts to friends. I think they’re a god send. I give them a decent shot of lube when I drop them in and then work it around the action while I’m watching tv or something equally as mindless later that night. I’ve yet to play with a DT kit in any other drive size before now, but I’m a fan of more teeth and smaller arc swing in most applications I’ve decided. Hence why I want to at least try it out. Worst case scenario I don’t like as much as I thought I would and put the original mechanism back in.

 

[bonneyman]

In response to the higher back drag complaints I think that with some use and finding the right lube my roto DT will settle down over time and become quite smooth. I know my old well used 45170's are smooth as greased dog snot!

 

[desrosd]

I have installed a bunch of DT100 kits and given them as gifts to friends. I think they’re a god send. I give them a decent shot of lube when I drop them in and then work it around the action while I’m watching tv or something equally as mindless later that night. I’ve yet to play with a DT kit in any other drive size before now, but I’m a fan of more teeth and smaller arc swing in most applications I’ve decided. Hence why I want to at least try it out. Worst case scenario I don’t like as much as I thought I would and put the original mechanism back in.

What lube did you use when you installed the DT100 for your friends? I used the clear grease that came with both the DT80 and DT100 kits for the lube, it appears similar to the non DT repair kits. I also have the red lube recommended on other threads, but have not tried it in any round head ratchets - yet.

 

[bonneyman]

I use SuperLube for my coarser ratchets (45 teeth and under) and enhanced Turbine Oil on finer rats. I already has those on my shelf so no need to buy ANOTHER specific lube.

 

[Kscardsfan]

What lube did you use when you installed the DT100 for your friends? I used the clear grease that came with both the DT80 and DT100 kits for the lube, it appears similar to the non DT repair kits. I also have the red lube recommended on other threads, but have not tried it in any round head ratchets - yet.

I use the clear super lube stuff and thin it back with a preservative oil I like and keep on hand for rust prevention etc. because a little bit of it goes a long long way. I also use MMO for a lot of lubrication chores so it might be my next choice when it comes time. The ex oil hand in me can’t get past how great MMO is.